Purchasing a Pre-Owned Car

Needless to say, owning a car can be quite expensive. For starters, it is quite difficult for an international to get a loan to purchase a car in the USA.  If you have just arrived, plan on having to pay up front for your car.  In addition to the purchase fee, don't forget to include automobile insurance fees and a one time fee for registering your car in the state, city and county.  Add to this gas and any repairs that certainly will occur.

Purchasing a car can also be quite intimidating, especially when you are not on your home territory.  But don't stress too much.  Many, many students and scholars have purchased used cars over the years.  You can do it.  If you have no experience with cars, we highly recommend you take the car you are interested in to a mechanic to have the mechanic look it over before you purchase.  The mechanic will charge for this but it is well worth it.  Please see our handout on Auto Mechanics for recommended mechanics.

There are two options when purchasing a pre-owned car - buy a car from a used car dealer or purchase a car from an individual.  The main advantage to purchasing a car from a car dealer is that it generally takes less time.  You can look at a variety of cars all at once.  Once you decide to purchase, the dealer will take care of all the paperwork for you.  If you want to buy a car quickly, this is the way to go.  The disadvantages are the cost - usually the dealer will charge more than an individual selling a car - and the trustworthiness of the dealer.

The main advantage of buying from an individual is that often you can get a better purchase price.  Some have gotten very good deals from people who are leaving the country and need to sell their car in a hurry.  The main disadvantage of purchasing a car from an individual is that it will take you more time.  You will make an appointment to look at the car. If you like it, you will then make an appointment to take it to the mechanic, etc.  You have to handle all the paperwork yourself (or with the help of the owner) but quite honestly this is not difficult to do.

So the path to take is up to you. For those of you looking for a "cheap yet very reliable car" I am afraid this type of car rarely exists.  Generally speaking (but not always) the more you can spend for an automobile, the better chances you will have for a car that is not prone to breaking down at every stop light.  Don't be afraid to ask people in your department where they purchased their car, how they went about it, etc.

Another option is to lease a car for four or six months or one or two years.  Chapel Hill Leasing is now offering leases to international drivers only.  Go to their website for more detailed information for the Duke international community. 

For more information about purchasing a pre-owned car, look at our handouts, Purchasing a Pre-Owned Car, Auto Insurance, Auto Mechanics and Getting your Car registered in North Carolina.